Post doctoral Project Researcher for Disentangling Higher-Order Structures in Social Dynamics: From Models to Experiments

Description

The study of social dynamics, inspired by tools from statistical physics and network science, has deepened our understanding of how individual interactions influence collective behavior. This project will build new models considering how people form opinions on multiple, related topics and how behaviors spread through complex group interactions. Moreover, we will test these models through controlled experiments with human participants to see how they behave in real-world social settings.

We will focus on three core areas:
1. Multidimensional Opinion Dynamics: We will use data from online platforms like Reddit to study how people form opinions on multiple, interconnected topics. We will analyze how these multidimensional opinions influence the creation of echo chambers and polarization. We will also explore ways to reduce the complexity of these systems by identifying and collapsing redundant dimensions that represent closely correlated topics.
2. Complex Contagion in Higher-Order Networks: Building on the concept of simple pairwise interactions, we will explore how behaviors, beliefs, and ideas spread through networks with higher-order structures. Our focus will be on developing theoretical models that capture the dynamics of behavior spread in complex social networks, where interactions involve multiple individuals and relationships evolve over time.
3. Experimental Validation: To ensure our theoretical models accurately reflect real-world social dynamics, we will conduct controlled online experiments with human participants. These experiments will allow us to test specific hypotheses about the impact of echo chambers and higher-order interactions on opinion formation and social contagion. By combining rigorous modeling with empirical validation, we aim to establish a strong connection between theory and observation. We will study a real-world scenario, involving opinions regarding actions to face climate change.

Qualifications

Requirements that candidates must meet

GENERAL

Be in possession of the Doctor's degree

Not having been separated by means of a disciplinary file from the service of any of the public administrations, nor having been disqualified by a final judgment for the performance of public functions. In the case of being a national of another country, not being disqualified or in an equivalent situation or having been subjected to a disciplinary or equivalent sanction that prevents, in their country, access to public jobs under the same terms.

SPECIFIC

PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, data science, or related quantitative fields. Solid knowledge in network science, programming in Python, and experience in data wrangling. Fluency in both spoken and written English. Strong interest in interdisciplinary research, in particular on computational social science. 

OTHER MERITS

Previous experience with behavioral experiments is a plus.

Previous experience with behavioral experiments is a plus.

These participation requirements must be met on the last day of the deadline for submitting applications, they must be reliably proven at any time during the selection process and they must continue to be met on the date of signing the contract.

Accreditation of sufficient knowledge of Catalan for teaching

Decree 128/2010, of 14 September, on the accreditation of the linguistic knowledge of the teaching staff of the universities of the university system of Catalonia, foresees that the university professors accredit a sufficient knowledge of Catalan, both in oral expression and in writing, in accordance with the demands of their academic tasks. At the time of signing the contract, the selected person will be able to choose between the accreditation of knowledge of Catalan or the postponement of this accreditation for a maximum period of two years. Accreditation of this linguistic competence and participation in the training actions necessary to achieve and maintain it are part of the teachers' ordinary and assessable obligations.

In the case of teaching in third languages, it is recommended to start language training in order to be able to interact with students, teaching and research staff and administration and service staff in any of the working languages ​​and to be able to attend to the linguistic rights of the university community. It is also recommended to start this training because if at some point you are assigned to teach in Catalan or Spanish, after two years have passed since hiring, you will need to prove sufficient knowledge.

This accreditation corresponds to that established in Decree 128/2010, of September 14. More information can be found on the  web de Llengües UPF.

Selection criteria

1. Academic Training: 20 points.

2. Professional experience/Suitability to the proposed profile: 30 points.

3. Research experience supported by scientific publications: 30 points.

4. International mobility: 10 points

5. Participation and organization in conferences, workshops and other scientific dissemination events: 10 points

The minimum score to pass the selection process is 60 points

Application Instructions

THROUGH INTERFOLIO

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

UPF promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.